When Elizabeth suggested that I do a round up of my top 10 brews of 2011, I was actually really nervous. I’ve been a beer guy for years, but a lot of people claim the same thing and well, their idea of a great brew is Bud. Sorry, but I wholeheartedly disagree.
But I digress, why was I nervous? Well, my palate for beer is different than so many. What I find delectable, frothy, creamy and delicious the next guy may find overly bitter, thin and unappealing. I have read a number of “Top 10” brew posts this year and they are just littered with IPAs (India Pale Ales). Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t love a good IPA, in fact, I love me a great IPA. However, I feel they are getting more press than other, equally delicious beer and there are still so many other brews worth mentioning.
I don’t expect everyone to fully agree with me on this list as these are what my taste buds salivated over and remember with great detail. What I try to do with every beer I drink is look for the subtleties that make it unique, different and special. I may not like a beer but I hope I can appreciate it for what the brewmaster was trying to accomplish through their art. Yes I said it, brewing is art. I have brewed about three or four dozen batches over the years including one all grain brew, and believe me, it truly is an art. The chemical changes that take place, the enzymes, the colour, head, nose, taste, finish, feel. Should I go on?
My hopes for this list: When you are at your local brew purveyor and you see that beer that you have staunchly avoided, but this time you actually pick it up, read what it is all about and try it! You will hit some duds, no doubt about it (it happens to the best of us). So to attempt to help you avoid some of those, I’ve also listed my number one dud brew at the end of the list. You will also discover that brews are so complex, sometimes understated in their craft, so full of flavour and character that it is beyond surprising (at least to me) that some people still just drink whatever is on special that day.
So without further commentary, I present to you:
Adrian’s Top 10 Brews of 2012:
1. Unibroue: trois pistoles
Ripe fruit nose. Malty spicey slap across the face taste. Lingering port finish.
Adrian Score: 4.5/5. Intense at first and mellows out a few sips in.
2. Phillips: Hoperation Tripel Cross
This was my staple beer for a couple of months earlier in the year. Intense hit of hops at the start. Fruity taste with a nice lingering hoppy goodness.
Adrian Score: 4.5/5
3. Driftwood Brewing: Fat Tug IPA
Driftwood continues to impress me. This IPA is what I want from an IPA. Lots of slap in the face hoppiness along with a great balance of bitter taste with maltyness. 80 IBUs of IPA goodness. My favorite IPA at the moment.
Adrian Score: 4.5/5
4. Unibroue: La Fin Du Monde
I know I am quite late to the Unibroue club, but better late than never! Fruity Citrus nose Sweet sweet fruit taste Full and smooth Tart lingering finish.
Adrian Score: 4.5/5
5. Phillips Brewing: Trainwreck Barley Wine
Sour nose. Earthy to start with sweet caramel notes and a pleasant slightly sour taste. Lightly carbonated. Nice bitter bite at the finish.
Adrian Score: 4.5/5
6. Rogue: Mogul Madness Ale
Pleasant (if you like hops) hop nose. Hop forward light malty taste.
Adrian Score: 4.25/5 Awesome.
7. Granville Island Brewing: Imperial Chocolate Stout
Malty Chocolate nose. Malty spiced chocolate taste. Lingering malty sour taste.
Adrian Score: 4.25/5 Love it
8. Allagash Brewing Company: Black
We tried this beer at Umami Burger in Santa Monica while in town for IFBC. I was thrilled to find this on the menu! The silky mouth feel is a great balance to the roasted character, coffee and dark chocolate notes expressed throughout this beer.
Adrian Score: 4.25/5
9. Chimay: Blue Cap or Grande Reserve(750ml)
Big thanks to Rod Phillips over at Liquor Plus for bringing this to my attention. Again, I know this is a long long long standing great beer, I am just new to the party. Fruit notes, a little spicey in the finish. Warms the throat. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon
Adrian Score: 4/5
10. Brooklyn Brewing: Local 1
This beer was recommended by two very great people that worked at a local restaurant that is now closed. Thanks so much for this pick you two! Pilsner nose, sweet creamy taste and feel. Warm Belgian yeasty finish.
Adrian Score: 4/5
Honourable Mentions:
Elysian Brewing: Avatar Jasmine IPA – I first tried this beer a few years ago at the Great Canadian Beerfest and it is still just as good! Sweet herbal nose. Malty, jasmine flavour with a hoppy finish. Awesome. 4/5
Vancouver Island Brewery: Dough Head – I was really happy to see Vancouver Island Brewery put out something completely different. This was a great attempt at a seasonal. Can’t wait to try more! 3.5/5
Howe Sound Brewing: Father John’s Winter Ale – Spicy vanilla nose and start. Lingering bitter malty ness. 4/5
Adrian’s Least Enjoyed Beer in 2010:
Dead Frog Brewery’s Christmas Beeracle
This came to me recently and I tried it hoping for the best. I would call it a dud. Sorry to those that enjoyed it…I just did not.